[Peptides prevent the forming of secretory phenotype of chondrocytes associated with the aging.]

Secretory phenotype associated with the aging (SASP) of chondrocytes forms the conditions for the musculoskeletal system diseases development, in particular, osteoarthritis (OA). The search for effective methods for OA treating is an urgent task of molecular gerontology. The purpose of this work is to characterize the SASP of chondrocytes and to conduct a comparative assessment of the effect of AED peptide and the cartilage polypeptide complex (CPC). It was found that chondrocyte's SASP is characterized by an increase of the synthesis of p16, p21, p53 pro-apoptotic proteins, TNF-α, IL-1α pro-inflammatory cytokines and a decrease of Sirt1synthesis. Peptides AED and CPC normalize the synthesis of molecules that form SASP of chondrocytes. This effect may explain their geroprotective effect and effectiveness in studies of various pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, including OA.

[Clinical and socially significant consequences of falls in elderly and senile persons (analytical review).]

Falls refers to geriatric syndromes, which is accompanied by a significant number of adverse clinically and socially consequences. For the rational organization of medical, social, psychological and other types of assistance and rehabilitation measures, separate groups of consequences developing as a result of a fall are distinguished: physical, functional, psychological, social. Every year, every fourth elderly and older person faces a fall, while about half of the victims seek medical help. Among people of older age groups who have suffered a fall episode, 20-30% have complications in the form of injuries, which further increase the risk of premature death. With two or more falls per year, the risk of complications increases significantly. This requires a comprehensive assessment of risk factors in each individual case.

[Assessment of cognitive and motor functions in older age groups: clinical significance, diagnostic tools, promising directions.]

Assessment of cognitive and motor function in older age groups is carried out to identify neurological deficits, clinical and functional prognosis, determination of rehabilitation potential, organization of accessible environment, prevention of progression of geriatric syndromes. The development of an applied methodology aimed at assessing both cognitive and motor functions, as well as cognitive-motor interaction in aging in normal and pathological conditions, is at the initial stage of formation. This article presents an overview of the methods used to assess cognitive and motor functions in clinical practice, analyzes the possibilities of their use for older age groups, and considers promising areas.

[Age-related features of expression of melatonin and its receptors in myocardial tissues in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.]

In recent years, more and more attention of researchers has been paid to the study of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP). The prevalence of this disease in older age groups is higher than previously thought, and the course of the disease is associated with a worse prognosis and treatment difficulties. Researchers are considering various signaling molecules whose expression changes are associated with myocardial damage and the development of DCMP; evaluation of changes in the expression of melatonin and its receptors in DCMP requires further study. The aim of the study was to study the age-related features of the expression of melatonin and its receptors (MT1, MT2) in the myocardium and their changes depending on the presence of dilated cardiomyopathy. Immunocytochemical and immunohistochemical methods were used to evaluate the expression of melatonin and its MT1, MT2 receptors in myocardial autopsy material and cardiomyocyte cultures of people of different ages with and without cardiovascular pathology. The study revealed age-associated changes in the form of a decrease in the expression of melatonin and its MT1 and MT2 receptors in the myocardium. In individuals with DCMP of all age groups, a more significant decrease in expression was noted: melatonin by 1,6-1,7 times in old age and 3,2 times in old age; MT1 by 1,8 and 2 times, respectively; MT2 by 1,4 and 4 times, respectively. The relationship between the decrease in the expression of melatonin and its receptors in myocardial tissues with age and the presence of DCMP was revealed. The data obtained allow us to clarify age-dependent changes in melatonin and its receptors, as well as to assume their important role in the development of DCMP, which requires further study.

[Prevention of falls syndrome (analitic review).]

Falls in people over 60 years of age is usually interpreted as geriatric syndrome, which is one of the leading problems in geriatrics due to complications. In recent years, the frequency of falls has increased., Every third person faces a fall in old age, and every second person falls in the age over 85 years. Only a multifactorial and personalized approach to each patient will be able to reduce the risk of falling due to the peculiarities of this category of patients and the multidirectional genesis of the fall syndrome. The decision on the choice of tactics should be made by a group of specialists, and the assessment of the effectiveness of the measures used should be carried out in dynamics with due adjustment if necessary.

[The influence of peptides on the chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells during replicative aging.]

Osteoarthritis is a widespread age-related disease, that has no effective targeted therapy. In this regard, bioengineering methods are being actively developed that can stimulate the restoration of cartilage tissue. These methods include chondrogenic differentiation of stem cells, which is stimulated by various biomolecules, including short peptides and polypeptide complexes. It was studied the effect of the cartilage polypeptide complex (CPC) and AED peptide on gene expression and protein synthesis of chondrogenic differentiation - SOX9, aggrecan, type II collagen and COMP - in human mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) during replicative aging. AED peptide at the concentration of 200 ng/ml activates gene expression and protein synthesis during aging of MSCs. CPC has the same effect in the concentration 2000 ng/ml. These data indicate the stimulating effect of studied peptides on regulation of chondrogenesis and open up prospects for further investigation of their effectiveness in osteoarthritis models.

[Possibilities of estimation postural function in normal and pathological conditions: focus on age-related aspects.]

Age-associated disorders of the function of maintaining balance lead to an increase in the frequency of falls and related complications (injuries, limited mobility, decreased independence and autonomy, etc.). In addition, motor disorders of various genesis in most cases are accompanied by changes in postural function. An analytical review of the literature over the last decade devoted to methods of assessing postural balance in older age groups has been conducted. Computer stabilometry is recognized as the best method for an objective assessment of postural function and dynamic monitoring of the effectiveness of therapy. At the same time, the stabilometric characteristics of postural disorders in older age groups and the relationship between the indicators of stabilography and age remain insufficiently studied.

[Signaling molecules as biomarkers for predicting implant survival in people of different ages.]

Most patients over 50 years of age are diagnosed with diseases of the dentoalveolar apparatus, in particular, bone tissue disorders, which leads to a decrease in the survival rate of implants. Identification of the causes, as well as the development of a methodology for predicting survival by minimally invasive methods, is relevant. The aim of the study was to study the markers of tight junctions in the buccal epithelium (BE) in people of different ages. BE scrapings were taken before and after implantation in patients divided into 5 age groups, from young to centenarians. Immunocytochemical method was used to study markers for tight junction proteins - claudin-1, -7 and 10. It has been shown that with age there is a decrease in the intensity of expression of adhesion molecules, in particular claudin -1, -7 and -10 in the mucous membranes, the minimum values were recorded in the group of centenarians. The study found that after dental implantation, there was a decrease in the expression of claudin-1 and -10 and an increase in the expression of claudin-7. Changes in the expression of claudins may indicate the development of a pathological process in the body, including the success of implantation, especially in people of older age groups.

[Age-associated features of the expression level of apoptosis markers in cardiomyocytes of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.]

To understand the pathogenesis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP), it is necessary to establish the molecular-cellular mechanisms of myocardial aging, including those associated with programmed cell death, the molecular mechanisms of which have not been practically studied. The aim of this work is to study markers of apoptosis in cardiomyocytes of patients with DCMP in vitro. We used the method of primary dissociated cell cultures and the method of immunofluorescence confocal laser microscopy. Cells of the 3rd and 14th passages, corresponding to «young» and «old» cultures, were used to simulate cellular senescence. Results. At the molecular level, aging of cardiomyocyte cells was accompanied by a twofold increase in the expression of p16INK4a compared to «young cultures» both in the control group and in the group with DCMP. It was also found that the expression of p16INK4a in cultures taken from patients with pathology was 2 times higher than in similar cultures from healthy patients. The expression of p21 was increased in the group with DCMP compared to the control; however, with aging of the culture, the expression of p21 did not change, remaining at a significant level. The most significant differences were obtained when comparing the expression of Bax in the cell culture of cardiomyocytes from the group with DCMP in a «young» culture compared with the norm, 3,2 times. Aging of myocardial cells at the molecular level was manifested in an increase in the expression of the Bax protein, which is the triggering mechanism of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. It is possible that this pathway of cell death is prevalent in DCMP.

[Implication of sirtuins and kisspeptin in ovarian aging.]

The aim of the work was to study the expression of sirtuins 1 and 6 and kisspeptin in human ovarian tissue taken in different periods of ontogenesis: from the formation of a pool of follicles in the antenatal period to the extinction of ovarian function in postmenopausal women. It was revealed that sirtuins are expressed in human ovary tissue in all age groups. The maximum expression level of SIRT1 in ovarian tissue was observed during intrauterine development and during the perimenopause, SIRT6 during the reproductive period and perimenopause. The participation of SIRT1 in prenatal selection of oocytes in human fetuses was shown, since it was in this group that increased expression of this marker was revealed. The expression level of the kisspeptin marker increases with the formation of the ovaries and the inclusion of reproductive function; the peak of expression is observed in the period before the onset of menopause. The study conducted to identify the expression of these proteins in the human ovary expands the understanding of the regulation of the ovarian follicular reserve and reproductive aging.

Thymalin: Activation of Differentiation of Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Thymalin is a polypeptide complex isolated from the thymus and regulating the functions of the immune system. Thymalin is effective in therapy of acute respiratory syndrome, chronic obstructive bronchitis, and other immunopathology. Thymalin increases functional activity of T lymphocytes, but the targeted molecular mechanism of its biological activity requires further study. We studied the influence of thymalin on differentiation of human hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and expression of CD28 molecule involved in the implementation of antiviral immunity in COVID-19 infection. It was found that thymalin reduced the expression of CD44 (stem cell marker) and CD117 (molecule of the intermediate stage of HSC differentiation) by 2-3 times and increased the expression of CD28 (marker of mature T lymphocytes) by 6.8 times. This indirectly indicates that thymalin stimulated differentiation of CD117⁺ cells into mature CD28⁺T lymphocytes. It is known that in patients with severe COVID-19, the number of CD28⁺, CD4⁺, CD8⁺T lymphocytes in the blood decreased, which attested to a pronounced suppression of immunity. It is possible that the antiviral effect of thymalin consists in compensatory stimulation of HSC differentiation into CD28⁺T lymphocytes at the stage of immunity suppression in unfavorable course of viral infection. Thymalin can be considered as an immunoprotective peptide drug for the prevention of COVID-19.

[The influence of AEDG and KE peptides on mitochondries stain and L7A ribosomes protein expression during human pineal gland and thymus cell senescence in vitro.]

It was verified new molecular targets of geroprotective activity of AEDG (epitalon) and KE (vilon) peptides by the method of confocal laser scanning microscopy. It was shown that the MitoTracker Red mitochondries staining decreased and L7A ribosomal protein synthesis compensatory increased during pineal and thymic cell senescence in vitro. AEDG peptide increases in 1,5 times the square of MitoTracker Red mitochondries staining and decreases on 22% the expression of ribosomal protein L7A in cultures of human pineal gland cells during its senescence. KE peptide increases in 1,5 times the square of MitoTracker Red mitochondries staining and decreases on 15% the expression of ribosomal protein L7A in cultures of human thymic cells during its senescence. The square of MitoTracker Red mitochondries staining decreases and the expression of L7A ribosomal protein compensatory increases during pineal gland and thymic cells senescence. We can suppose that AEDG and KE peptides have a tissue-specific effect that normalizes the functions of mitochondria and ribosomes of pinealocytes and thymocytes.

Placental protein expression of kisspeptin-1 (KISS1) and the kisspeptin-1 receptor (KISS1R) in pregnancy complicated by diabetes mellitus or preeclampsia

PURPOSE

Kisspeptins regulate the trophoblast invasion. The disturbance of this process might lead to the development of preeclampsia (PE). Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with the high rate of this complication. The main hypothesis was to investigate the placental protein expression of kisspeptin-1 (KISS1) and its receptor (KISS1R) in diabetic, preeclamptic, and healthy pregnancies.

METHODS

Placentae (n = 65) were divided into the following groups: the control group (n = 20), either PE or non-PE type-1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) (n = 10), either PE or non-PE type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (n = 10), either PE or non-PE gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (n = 10) and preeclampsia without diabetes (PE) (n = 15). Immunohistochemistry analysis was used for demonstrating the presence and location of KISS1/KISS1R in placental tissue and to measure the area of immunopositive expression. Correlation analyses were performed to detect the links between protein expression of these biomarkers and the main obstetric outcomes.

RESULTS

The highest placental protein expressions of KISS1 were detected in the PE (35.4%) and GDM (33.2%) groups. In case of DM, levels of KISS1 expression depended on the presence of PE and were higher compared with DM no PE and control groups: (30.6%) in T1DM + PE and (30.1%) in T2DM + PE group. The lowest expression was detected in the control group (14.1%). The expression of KISS1R was higher in DM and PE compared to the control group. We detected the strong direct link between PE and placental expression of KISS1 (r = 0.81) and KISS1R (r = 0.56), and inverse correlation link between KISS1 and preterm birth weight (r = - 0.73). The low correlation links were found between KISS1 and IUGR (r = 0.29), and preterm birth (r = 0.24). The same trend was detected for KISS1R. We did not find any significant correlations between placental expressions of KISS/KISS1R and placental weight or HbA1c levels.

CONCLUSION

Increased expression levels of KISS1 and KISS1R in case of diabetes mellitus may play a role in the altered placentation process and lead to the development of preeclampsia.

ARID1A, Prostaglandin E2, and Its Receptor as Possible Predictors of Malignant Transformation of the Endometrium in Endometriosis

We studied the expression of ARID1A, prostaglandin E2 synthase, and prostaglandin E2 receptor in the endometrium and ovarian, peritoneal, and intestinal endometrioid heterotopies in women with endometriosis of young and middle reproductive age. ARID1A protein is a tumor suppressor, its expression reduced in different types of cancer. Prostaglandin E2 synthase and prostaglandin E2 receptor are involved in the signaling cascade of inflammatory reactions presumably underlying the development of endometriosis. In endometrioid heterotopies, expression of ARID1A was reduced in 1.2-4.0 times, the expression of prostaglandin E2 synthase and prostaglandin E2 receptor was reduced in 2.9-5.2 times These findings suggest that ARID1A, prostaglandin E2 synthase, and prostaglandin E2 receptor can be used as predictors of malignant transformation of endometrioid heterotopies in women with endometriosis.

[The sirtuin family of proteins: the role in the aging processes and regulation of cell metabolism.]

In recent years, the key role of sirtuins in the regulation of the most important cellular processes has been established. Sirtuins are involved in histone deacetylation, regulation of fat and glucose metabolism. Violations of their synthesis and secretion can induce carcinogenesis, aging and cell death. The wide range of processes in which sirtuins are involved indicates their possible role in the pathogenesis of many diseases including metabolic syndrome, neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation associated diseases and tumor growth. All of these diseases are associated with aging. In this article, we analyze the existing data on sirtuins and their role in the pathogenesis of aging, as well as their possible verification as markers for the diagnosis of age-related diseases and as targets of geriatric therapy and prevention.

[Kisspeptins in human ovarian tissue during ontogenesis.]

The article presents the results of studies of the expression hormones-kisspeptins and their receptors in human ovarian tissues during ontogenesis of this organ. Kisspeptins regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, the most important function of which is to launch the mechanism of puberty. Verification of kisspeptins and their receptors in ovarian tissue, suggests that they promote ovulation, as well as controls the expression of matrix metalloproteinases involved in tissue remodeling. The KISS1/KISS1R system begins be active in the period of prenatal development, so that already at week 22 a positive reaction with antibodies to kisspeptin was recorded in the ovarian tissue. It has been established that, at reproductive age, the expression of kisspeptins remains at a consistently high level, whereas during menopause, the expression of kisspeptins in the ovaries has its peak, which may be due to a compensatory mechanism for reducing the synthesis of ovarian estrogens. In postmenopausal period defined minimum values. Further studies of the metabolism of kisspeptins during menopause will contribute to the expansion of knowledge about their mechanism and the possibility of using them as targeted therapeutic agents.

[Effects of urokinase plasminogen activator on cultured human retinal epithelial cells]

AIM

to study the effects of urokinase plasminogen activator (UPA) on the human retinal pigment epithelium (hRPE) cell culture.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The toxicity of 50 U/ml UPA was studied with the trypan blue exclusion test. Cell migration was assessed by the wound healing and modified Boyden chamber assays. Additionally, cell morphology, trypsin resistance, and Ki67 expression were investigated.

RESULTS

Trypan exclusion test did not reveal any cytotoxicity of 50 U/ml UPA against hRPE cells. The agent appeared able to induce cellular cluster formation and increase the number of spindle-shaped cells (6.4±2.4 cells/field and 67.3±3.2 cells/field in the controls and in the presence of 50 U/ml UPA, respectively, p<0.001). Cell migration in the Boyden chamber also showed a statistically significant increase (1.75-fold, p=0.012). Monolayer wounds were found to heal at an accelerated rate (p<0.05). This effect was dose-dependent, just like the increase in Ki67-positive cells (from 2.5 to 50 U/ml). Moreover, there was a reduction in trypsin resistance of the hRPE cells (the number of resistant cells in the control and 50 U/ml UPA cultures was 5.2±1.7 cells/field and 0.46±0.32 cells/field, respectively, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

UPA, at concentrations of 50 U/ml or less, demonstrates no cytotoxicity against the hRPE cells. The effects of UPA on hRPE include stimulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, proliferation, and intercellular interaction. At that, changes in migratory and proliferative activity are dose-dependent.

[Effect of combined application of ozone therapy and gravitational therapy on the remote results of complex treatment of geriatric patients]

Skin aging is one of the topical issues in modern gerontocosmetology. Application of cosmetic products with short peptides is a promising measure for retardation of skin aging. This research is aimed at investigation of KE (Lys-Glu, Vilon) dipeptide influence on the expression of markers of aging in human skin fibroblasts in vitro. Collagen type I and sirtuin-6 expression in «young» and «old» skin cell fibroblasts cultures was studied using immunofluorescence confocal microscopy method. The areas of expression of collagen type I and sirtuin-6 are known to decrease in skin fibroblasts with aging by 3,5 and 3,6 times accordingly. KE dipeptide increases collagen type I expression area in «old» skin fibroblasts cultures by 83%. KE dipeptide increases expression area of sirtuin-6 in «young» and «old» skin fibroblasts cultures by 1,6 and 2,6 times correspondingly. Thus, KE dipeptide promotes functional activity of skin fibroblasts and inhibits their aging.

[Molecular markers of Alzheimer disease early diagnostic: investigation perspectives of peripheral tissues.]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of elderly and old age people. For intravital diagnosis of the expression of signaling molecules - AD markers, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and peripheral tissues are used: lymphocytes and blood platelets, buccal and olfactory epithelium, skin fibroblasts. There are several changes in the production of hyper phosphorylated form of τ-protein, BACE1 and peptide Аβ42 in CSF in case of AD, but CSF taking may have a number of side effects. Less traumatic taking of sampling tissues for the diagnosis of AD is in use of epithelium biopsy and blood portion. An increase in the expression of the hyper phosphorylated form of τ-protein is shown in blood lymphocytes of AD patients. An increase in the content of high molecular weight forms of phosphorylated t-protein and amyloid precursor protein-APP was also revealed in blood platelets of AD patients. Changes in the amount of 2 miRNA families - miR-132 family and miR-134 family were revealed in blood cells 1-5 years before the manifestation of clinical signs of AD. An increase in the concentration of bound calcium, synthesis of peptides Aβ40 and Aβ42, τ protein was observed in AD skin fibroblasts. In the olfactory and buccal epithelium an increase in the expression of hyper phosphorylated form of τ-protein and Aβ peptide was detected in patients with AD. Verification of AD markers in peripheral tissues for biopsy have the important significant for life diagnostics, prevention and and target AD treatment.

[MELATONIN: THE POSSIBILITY TO ANALYSE THE MARKER OF AGE-RELATED PATHOLOGY IN THE BUCCAL EPITHELIUM AND URINE]

Extrapineal and pineal melatonin is the marker of the aging rate of organism making it possible to characterize functional condition of the neuro-immuno-endocrine system. In this article we have used the new method for non-invasive diagnostics of melatonin expression in buccal epithelium and determination of the main melatonin metabolite 6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate (6-HMS) in urine of elderly people. Normal, impaired and enhanced melatonin expression was documented in 20.5%, 43.2% and 36.30% of the patients respectively. Such comprehensive melatonin and 6-COMT studies can be recommended for elderly patients with oncological, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular diseases, and ageing macular dystrophy. Moreover, melatonin expression analysis in buccal cells can be used for integral investigation of biorhythms in elderly people.

[Expression of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in the internal carotid artery wall in pathological tortuosity]

The principal morphological sign of fibromuscular dysplasia in pathological tortuosity (PT) of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is the fragmentation of elastic fibers that are degraded by matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2, MMP-9). Nevertheless, the role of MMPs and their inhibitors in the pathogenesis of ICA PT remains completely unexplored.

AIM

to investigate the expression of elastin-degrading MMPs and their inhibitors in the wall of the ICA in PT by immunohistochemistry and confocal laser scanning microscopy.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical examination was made using antibodies to MMP-2, MMP-9 and their tissue inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels were determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemical examination revealed a statistically significant predominance of high concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and a low level of their inhibitor TIMP-1 in ICA PT, while simultaneous obvious accumulation of both markers was most often identified in the control group (p<0.05). Analysis of MMP-2/TIMP-2 and MMP-9/TIMP-2 ratios showed the prevalence of the simultaneously high expression of both proteins in ICA PT and in the control group too. The similar data were also obtained by confocal microscopy: the control group showed elevated MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expressions and the ICA PT control displayed a high proteinase and low inhibitor levels (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Elastic fiber fragmentation in ICA PT is due to imbalance between MMPs and their inhibitors; namely, the prevalence of MMP-2 and MMP-9 over their inhibitor TIMP-1, which leads to the degradation of extracellular matrix components, primarily elastin.

[The structure of the internal carotid artery wall in pathological tortuosity]

OBJECTIVE

to study a change in the content of main components of the internal carotid artery (ICA) wall in pathological tortuosity (PT) resulting from fibromuscular dysplasia, using immunohistochemistry and confocal laser scanning microscopy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis using antibodies to elastin, collagen types I and III, and smooth muscle actin was made. The levels of elastin and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) were determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The relative area of expression and the area of co-location of these markers were measured.

RESULTS

IHC examination of the expression of elastin revealed that the patients with PT of ICA had its higher content than the controls, but they were observed to have fiber fragmentation. Comparison of collagen types I and III expressions showed no significant differences between the groups. The found significantly lower smooth muscle actin expression in the patients with PT of ICA than in the controls was suggestive of the decreased levels of smooth muscle cells. Confocal microscopy analysis showed high elastin and low MMP-9 expressions in the control group and, on the contrary, low elastin and high proteinase levels in the PT group (р<0.05).

CONCLUSION

One of the causes of PT is impairment in vascular elastic properties due to the destruction of elastic fibers and to their fragmentation, as well as to the decreased count of smooth muscle cells, which in turn causes enhanced MMP-9 activity and tissue matrix degradation.

Dipeptides Increase Functional Activity of Human Skin Fibroblasts

We analyzed the effect of dipeptide Glu-Trp and isovaleroyl-Glu-Trp in concentrations of 0.2, 2 and 20 μg/ml and Actovegin preparation on functional activity of human skin fibroblasts. Dipeptides, especially Glu-Trp, produce a stimulating effect on human skin fibroblasts and their effect is equivalent to that of Actovegin. Dipeptides stimulate cell renewal processes by activating synthesis of Ki-67 and reducing expression of caspase-9 and enhance antioxidant function of the cells by stimulating the expression of Hsp-90 and inducible NO-synthase. These findings suggest that dipeptides are promising candidates for preparations stimulating reparative processes.

[Signal molecules of endometrium: gerontological and general pathhological aspects]

The review describes neuro-immuno-endocrine signal molecules expression in human endometrial cells in the normal conditions, in the pathology and during aging. Human endometrial cells synthesizes estrogen, progesterone, estradiol, progestin, cell adhesion molecules (integrines α1β1, α4β1, αVβ3, L-selectin, Е-catgerin, MUC1), grow factors (TGF, EGF, HB-EGF, IGF), cytokines (IL-1, IL-2, INF-α, IL-12, СХСL10, CXCL11, CXCR3), various immune cells markers (CD68, CD105, CD163, CD16, CD56, CD4, CD8), heat shock proteins (HSP60, HSP70, HSP90, VEGF, MMP). Changes of this molecules expression level are the base of the social significant diseases as endometriosis, endometrial cancer and infertility. Thus, the investigation of neuro-immuno-endocrine interactions in endometrial cells can be used for new drugs creating, in differential diagnostics of endometrial cancer and increasing of extracorporal fertilization success.

Peptide regulation of gene expression and protein synthesis in bronchial epithelium

INTRODUCTION

Some studies have shown that peptides have high treatment potential due to their biological activity, harmlessness, and tissue-specific action. Tetrapeptide Ala-Asp-Glu-Leu (ADEL) was effective on models of acute bacterial lung inflammation, fibrosis, and toxic lung damage in several studies.

METHODS

We measured Ki67, Mcl-1, p53, CD79, and NOS-3 protein levels in the 1st, 7th, and 14th passages of bronchoepithelial human embryonic cell cultures. Gene expression of NKX2-1, SCGB1A1, SCGB3A2, FOXA1, FOXA2, MUC4, MUC5AC, and SFTPA1 was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Using the methods of spectrophotometry, viscometry, and circular dichroism, we studied the ADEL-DNA interaction in vitro.

RESULTS

Peptide ADEL regulates the levels of Ki67, Mcl-1, p53, CD79, and NOS-3 proteins in cell cultures of human bronchial epithelium in various passages. The strongest activating effect of peptide ADEL on bronchial epithelial cell proliferation through Ki67 and Mcl-1 was observed in "old" cell cultures. ADEL regulates the expression of genes involved in bronchial epithelium differentiation: NKX2-1, SCGB1A1, SCGB3A2, FOXA1, and FOXA2. ADEL also activates several genes, which reduced expression correlated with pathological lung development: MUC4, MUC5AC, and SFTPA1. Spectrophotometry, viscometry, and circular dichroism showed ADEL-DNA interaction, with a binding region in the major groove (N7 guanine).

CONCLUSIONS

ADEL can bind to specific DNA regions and regulate gene expression and synthesis of proteins involved in the differentiation and maintenance of functional activity of the bronchial epithelium. Through activation of some specific gene expression, peptide ADEL may protect the bronchial epithelium from pulmonary pathology. ADEL also may have a geroprotective effect on bronchial tissue.

Effects of Lys-Glu-Trp peptide on cell-cell interactions and vascular endothelium proliferation under normal conditions and during atherosclerosis

The molecular mechanism of atherosclerosis is based on decreased expression of signal molecules connexin (Cx37 and Cx40), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and proliferative protein Ki-67, which characterize the processes of cell-cell interactions and proliferation of vascular endotheliocytes. Lys-Glu-Trp peptide in doses of 4 and 40 μg/ml promoted recovery of Cx37, Cx40, and VEGF expression in cultured endotheliocytes from the aorta of patients with atherosclerosis, which attests to vasoprotective effects of this agent.

Immunomodulating effects of Vilon and its analogue in the culture of human and animal thymus cells

We studied molecular mechanisms of immunoprotective effects of two dipeptides, AB-O and R-1, on cultured human and rat thymic cells. Both dipeptides were shown to increase the expression of lymphocyte differentiation marker CD5 in thymic cells. Dipeptide AB-O induced T-cells precursor differentiation towards CD4(+)T-helpers and its effect was weaker than that of dipeptide R-1. Dipeptide R-1 stimulates differentiation of CD5(+) cells to mature T-helpers and cytotoxic CD8(+) T cells and hence can be considered as a bioactive substance possessing immunomodulator and antiallergic activity.

Molecular cellular mechanisms of peptide regulation of melatonin synthesis in pinealocyte culture

The effects of epithalone and vilone peptides on the synthesis of melatonin and factors involved in this process, arylalkylamine-N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) enzyme and pCREB transcription protein, were studied in rat pinealocyte culture. Epithalone stimulated AANAT and pCREB synthesis and increased melatonin level in culture medium. Simultaneous addition of norepinephrine and peptides into the culture potentiated the expression of AANAT and pCREB.

Tetrapeptide H-Ala-Glu-Asp-Arg-OH stimulates expression of cytoskeletal and nuclear matrix proteins

Tetrapeptide H-Ala-Glu-Asp-Arg-OH enhances the expression of cytoskeletal (actin, tubulin, vimentin) and nuclear matrix proteins (lamin A, lamin C) in cultured mouse embryonic fibroblasts by 2-5 and 2-3 times, respectively. Thus, the previously reported cardioprotective activity of this tetrapeptide is determined by its capacity to activate synthesis of cytoskeletal and nuclear matrix proteins, which stimulates cell proliferation and reduces apoptosis.

Peptidergic regulation of thymocyte differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis during aging of the thymus

The effects of T-31, AB-17, and AB-9 peptides on old (passage 8) thymocyte culture were studied. Only AB-9 peptide exhibited a complex geroprotective effect on thymocytes during their aging. Peptide AB-9 stimulated proliferative activity and differentiation of thymocytes and inhibited their apoptosis.

Age-specific dynamics of human thymus immune cell differentiation

The expression of markers of undifferentiated CD5+ cells, B cells, T-killer/suppressors, and T-helpers was verified by immunohistochemical methods in the thymuses of elderly, senile, and long-lived humans. The counts of CD5+ cells in the thymus progressively decreased with age. Positive correlations between the counts of CD5+ cells and differentiated T cells were detected. The capacity of CD5+ thymocytes to differentiate into T-killer/suppressors decreased with age.

Role of dendritic cells in the formation of subpopulation of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes in the thymus during its aging

The counts of dendritic cells and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes in the thymus decrease during its aging. The counts of dendritic cells decrease in senile age, while low counts of cytotoxic T-cells are observed only in long-living individuals. Presumably, reduction of the counts of thymic dendritic cells causes disorders in the differentiation of T-cells, particularly of cytotoxic ones, which can represent a mechanism of thymus involution during its aging.

Peptides regulate cortical thymocytes differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis

The processes of differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis were studied in a cell culture of human cortical thymocytes under the influence of short peptides T-32 (Glu-Asp-Ala) and T-38 (Lys-Glu-Asp). Peptides T-32 and T-38 amplified cortical thymocytes differentiation towards regulatory T cells, increased their proliferative activity, and decreased the level of apoptosis. Moreover, peptides under study stimulated proliferative and antiapoptotic activity of the mature regulatory T cells.